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Sugar cane is known for its durability. It’s a relatively tough product that can stand a fair amount of abuse from the elements (much like the people of Acadiana), and that’s one of the reasons it thrives so well in South Louisiana’s tumultuous climate. However, a few things do have to be just so in order for a harvest to be robust. One of those factors is the rain, and it was this year’s most significant factor. Optimal time for rain during the season is from March to August. During planting, from late July to early September, too much rain can prove detrimental. This year, the climate was near drought during the growing season. During planting season, the rain started and did not let up. This had a profound effect on the incoming harvest. So much so, that it is estimated that in the Thibodaux and Raceland region, the 2019 crop will be 35,000 tons or more short than anticipated.

Let’s take a look back and see how other years have fared.